Matt Kelly - Development

Beth Bennett - Volunteer Coordinator

Board of Directors

Jana Tarleton Co-Chair

Jana is one of the original founders of Gameday For Heroes. She originally started the organization as a service project for the Columbus/Phenix City Auburn Club. That humble beginning has grown into the organization we are today. Jana currently resides in Santa Rosa Beach, FL.

Mike Tarlton Co-Chair

Mike is one of the original founders of Gameday For Heroes and serves as Senior Mortgage Loan Officer for the Bank of England. Mike is a key volunteer who has worked tirelessly to see this organization meet it potential. Mike resides in Santa Rosa Beach, FL.

Jon Hyink

Jon is the owner of 17/16 and Quixotes in downtown Auburn, AL. He also serves as incoming president of the Downtown Merchants Association, and a member of the Lee County Board of Leadership.

Ben Leard

Most of us remember former quarterback Ben Leard as being 4th on the all time Auburn pass completion chart and 8th in passing touchdowns. Today Ben is Sr, Vice President at J. Smith Lanier & Co.

Coach Sonny Smith

Coach Smith served as a head coach for twenty-two seasons. Best known as the head coach at Auburn from 1978 to 1989, he also coached at ETSU(1976–1978) and VCU (1989–1998). Smith has won both SEC and CAA titles. He also has six appearances in the NCAA Tournament. Smith is currently on the broadcast team for the Auburn Network.

LT. General Ronald L. Burgess

Lieutenant General Burgess held a variety of key staff and command positions throughout his 38 year military career. General officer assignments include Director of Intelligence, J2, U.S. Southern Command; Director of Intelligence, J2, Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and Deputy Director of National Intelligence for Customer Outcomes transitioning to Director of the Intelligence Staff in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. He is currently working at Auburn University as the Senior Counsel for National Security Programs, Cyber Programs and Military Affairs.

Board of Directors

Mike Stover

Mike is the Employee Relations Manager at the Auburn University Raymond J. Harbert College of Business. Mike was also the former President of the Lee County Auburn Club. He is also a member of the Auburn Rotary Club.

John Boles -Treasure

John has served on numerous boards and committees, including the AICPA, Way 2 Serve Ministries, and the Auburn University School of Accountancy Advisory Board. John always tries to bring his best as he daily reminds himself that he’s been called to a purpose that is not about him, and will find far more success when he puts his own desires and wants aside to honor and obey Christ.On his off days, John and his wife, Janie, love to take a road trip to some distant place, filling up their suburban with all four kids and all of their stuff. When there’s not enough time for traveling with his family, John enjoys fishing and teaching The Bible.

Todd Bennett - CEO

As CEO Todd is a non voting member of the GDFH Board.Todd is a 1992 graduate of Auburn University and is medically retired from the US Army after being Injured in Iraq. Todd has a passion for helping military families overcome the wounds of war. Todd lives in Auburn, AL.

Our Military Bases

We are proud of our associations with great Military Installations. Special thanks to Fort Benning, Maxwell AFB, Fort Rucker, Tyndall AFB, Eglin AFB and National Guard HQ

Our Collegiate Partners

Great Partners like Auburn Athletics, Troy Athletics, Texas A&M, UGA and many others!

Our Sponsors

Thanks to all our Sponsors that make this possible. You are a great member of our team!